2. Contact Info

3. Dealer Selection

Once again the Motor Trend long-term fleet has gone to the bullpen. Angus MacKenzie’s move to London meant the Range Rover was in need of a new shepherd, and as luck would have it, here we are, my introduction into the world of luxury automobile ownership.

Before his departure, Angus clicked off a few thousand miles on a road trip from Los Angeles through Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. That road trip combined with a couple of months spent as a support vehicle and troop carrier during our annual Of The Year season meant we have already reached the Range Rover’s first service interval at the 16,000-mile mark.

Exploring an OHV area in the mountains above Lake Elsinore, CA.

Service A, as described in the owner’s booklet, includes engine oil and filter replacement, tire rotation, fuel filter and cabin air filter replacement, alignment, lubricating wheel hubs, and a comprehensive inspection of the rest of the systems. All this can be yours for the low price of $845.63. Excuse me?

Like I said, this is my first experience of luxury automobile ownership. The sticker shock nearly made me swallow my own tongue. “Oh, and we need to refill the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), so that will be $1,045.63 total,” the service adviser at our local Land Rover dealer said. Luckily, the DEF fluid had just run dry during our Truck of The Year competition in Arizona, and we had refilled it for a mere $10 at the local gas station. I understand that a dealer will mark up goods and services, but $200 to refill something that is no more difficult than refilling windshield washer fluid is absolutely absurd. I informed him that I had just filled it and declined the extra service fee.

One of my favorite and most used interior features is the refrigerated center console.

The bad taste in my mouth left from DEFgate was diminished slightly by the excellent customer service I received while I was at the dealership. Everyone I encountered, whether it was in person or by phone, was incredibly friendly and attentive. A complimentary loaner vehicle was welcomed additional luxury that comes with owning a premium brand.

Another thing that helps sooth the sting of an $845.63 service is the long 16,000-mile service interval. Likely this will be my one and only service appointment unless I can put some serious miles down in the next few months.

Fresh from service and with our busiest time of the year coming to an end, I look forward to getting on the road—and off of it—and enjoying the Range Rover and all of its capabilities. Hopefully the next update is a little more adventure filled.

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Once again the Motor Trend long-term fleet has gone to the bullpen. Angus MacKenzie’s move to London meant the Range Rover was in need of a new shepherd, and as luck would have it, here we are, my introduction into the world of luxury automobile ownership. Before his departure, Angus clicked off a few thousand miles on a road trip…

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